The Gardner School is excited to join the Town of Braintree, MA in the winter of 2024/2025. The birthplace of two early U.S. presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Braintree is an excellent place to begin nurturing the minds of our country’s future generation of leaders. Boasting friendly, welcoming neighbors and strong K-12 educational programs, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of a partnership between The Gardner School and Braintree parents and students.
Ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years, The Gardner School’s students enjoy a research-based, age-appropriate curriculum designed to nurture a child’s emerging sense of self. We’ve found that Braintree offers many ways to learn outside of the classroom, too. From hands-on activities to discovering S.T.E.A.M. together, here are a few of our favorites compiled into a convenient daytime itinerary.
Morning (9-11 am)
Morning is usually the best time for activities that require more calm and focused behavior (e.g., circle time, themed group activities, music and movement, art, and reading). With this in mind, we’ve chosen activities that match morning energy levels.
The Children’s Museum in Easton
Start your day with a quick drive to The Children’s Museum in Easton. Their creative exhibits encourage scientific exploration via a space station, S.T.E.A.M. lab, maker space, dino den, a sunken ship, a quiet twilight room, an interactive playground with BEAM technology, and a child-sized town where visitors can build in the construction zone, take care of newborn babies or pets at the clinic, or stop by the food truck.
Plaster Fun Time
Encourage creative expression with a trip to paint your own pottery at Plaster Fun Time. Children can choose to paint simple decorations, their favorite superhero or cartoon character, or even an ornate wall hanging.
Visual arts like painting can have multiple benefits for children, including enhancing creativity, honing cognitive abilities, and practicing fine motor skills. It also encourages decision-making when choosing colors, taking turns when sharing supplies, and resiliency and problem-solving if a design doesn’t turn out as planned.
Lunch Time (11:30 am – 12:30 pm)
After a busy morning, your family will be ready for a filling lunch. Depending on your schedule, you can choose a sit-down meal or a lighter, quick bite!
Kristin’s Breakfast
Breakfast for lunch is always a good choice! With an extensive brunch menu and casual atmosphere, we understand why Kristin’s Breakfast is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor. The restaurant offers classic breakfast options like french toast, omelets, pancakes, eggs, and bacon, as well as a selection of lunch choices.
Uno Pizzeria
We understand that pizza is very important in Boston and surrounding communities, so we had to include a pizza option for lunch! Uno Pizzeria is a top-rated restaurant with a children’s menu that starts at less than $6, a selection of family meal deals, and thin-crust pizzas that come sliced into squares—which is especially helpful for children who prefer more cheese and less crust!
Afternoon (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Preschool afternoons usually include nap time followed by child-directed learning and active play, so we recommend these great spots to close out your adventure-filled day.
Thayer Public Library
Schedule some time to relax with a good book at Thayer Public Library. The library offers a wide selection of events, materials, and services designed specifically for children. Reading has many benefits for young minds, so we love the library’s dedicated children’s room and play space that encourages an appreciation for books.
Thayer Public Library also has a robust calendar of events for families and children to participate in throughout the week, including evening events!
Braintree Highlands Community Playground
Enjoy outdoor play at the Braintree Highlands Community Playground. Dubbed “the largest toddler-friendly playground,” local parents say it has play features that are safe and appropriate for children of all ages. Sensory-seekers will especially enjoy the slides and swings. There are also adaptive swings for children with special needs to ensure all friends can be included in the fun.
Continue Exploring at The Gardner School
The Gardner School encourages hands-on, experiential learning for all ages, from infants to preschoolers. Our program nurtures each student’s emerging sense of self through a balanced curriculum, qualified and caring teachers, creative play with friends, and a supportive environment designed for exploration. Contact us today to learn more about our Boston-area schools.